Former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan’s request to remain free while appealing his conviction has been denied by the judge who sentenced him earlier this year to 7.5 years in prison.

U.S. District Judge John Blakey wrote in a 44-page ruling that Madigan failed to raise a “substantial” question of law that would result in a reversal or new trial on all counts for which the former speaker faces serious prison time.

“The fate of Madigan’s entire motion” actually rides on “routine, and meritless” objections to his wire fraud convictions, the judge wrote.

“As such, he clings to false hope,” Blakey added.

Legal experts had predicted that Blakey would rejected Madigan’s request. However, the former speaker could now turn to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Madigan has assemb

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